Foreword by Milena Hrdinková, State Secretary for European Affairs, Office of the Government of the CR

Dear Readers, At the beginning of the last year, the whole world was unexpectedly hit and suddenly needed to face a new challenge – a global pandemic. During these turbulent times, each country had to step up and quickly adopt a series of unprecedented measures that heavily affected the world we all knew, the Czech Republic included. These measures not only paralyzed our everyday lives but also impacted our fundamental rights and values that European Union lies upon. Restrictions that had been introduced to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 have left deep marks on our economy and industry, and the overall scope of the impact is still yet to be determined. The very basis of our successful economic integration, the functioning of the Internal Market, has been badly hit. However, except for our vulnerabilities, this global pandemic fuelled an immense wave of European solidarity, strengthened the cohesion between the EU Member States, and uncovered new grounds for future cooperation. Nonetheless, the European Union is standing in front of a difficult task. In order to overcome all these economic and social challenges, the EU needs a helping hand from each Member State so it can recover, protect its civilians and defend its position abroad. I have no doubt that the Czech Republic is ready to become a leading partner on this difficult path. Our country has gone a long way since the Velvet Revolution in 1989. From the beginning of the accession negotiations that started nine years later, through the very first Czech EU Presidency and up to this day, the Czech Republic has repeatedly proven to be an equal partner to the rest of the EU Member States. For the past few years, our country has been one of the highest growing economies in Europe with the lowest unemployment rates. Our industry, research, and development have been booming and we became a valuable member of the European Union with a lot to offer. In 2009, we presided over the Council of the European Union, while trying to navigate the EU out of the global recession and facing simultaneously a multitude of critical developments in EU’s neighborhood. Whilst leading the dialogue among the Member States, the Czech Republic sought agreement on reforms of the EU institutions. Twelve years ago, we presented an ambitious agenda and successfully balanced various contradictory interests of the European community. I am truly convinced that we can do it again. In July 2022, the Czech Republic will take over the EU Presidency for the second time. These six months represent a great opportunity to influence the direction, functioning, and priorities of the European Union in a long term. While bearing a great responsibility, we will be enjoying a spotlight to promote our cultural heritage and values, but also our industrial development and achievements. We are seriously preparing for this role, although fully aware of the difficulties and challenges the EU is currently facing. The Czech Republic managed to lead the European Union during the turbulences in the financial markets, and I am sure we will cope with the implications of a sanitary crisis as well. As the Czech Republic has become an integral part of the European community, our work on the European project is also getting rewarded. In the past seven years, we benefited from the allocation of almost 24 billion euros that have been used on various projects all across the country. Our commitment to the EU is a two-way street, and the Czech Republic actively works on the European Union as much as it benefits from its membership. The whole world is trying to recover from the global sanitary crisis and the Czech Republic is not an exception. Nevertheless, our historical journey prepared us for difficult moments like these. Let us set an example and be a leading partner in these challenging times. Let us help to stabilise the European Union and increase its resilience. Let us continue its project of enlargement and promote European values at home, as well as abroad. Let us be a reliable partner that the European Union needs.

MILENA HRDINKOVÁ

State Secretary for European Affairs, Office of the Government of the Czech Republic